New York, January 09 (QNA) — United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed regret over a White House announcement stating that the United States will withdraw from a number of United Nations agencies and offices.
In a statement, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric emphasized that assessed contributions to the UN’s regular and peacekeeping budgets, as approved by the General Assembly, are a legal obligation under the UN Charter for all member states, including the United States. He added that all UN bodies would continue to carry out the mandates entrusted to them by member states, stressing that the organization remains committed to serving people worldwide who depend on its work.
The United States has announced it will take immediate steps to withdraw from dozens of international organizations, including 31 UN agencies and offices. An executive order signed by President Donald Trump lists bodies such as the UN Population Fund, the secretariat of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and UN Women. The order states that the withdrawal would involve halting participation or funding, with the US administration arguing that continued involvement runs counter to American interests.
Reacting to the move, Executive Secretary of the UN Climate Convention Simon Stiell warned that stepping back from climate cooperation would harm the US economy. He noted that the United States had played a central role in shaping the UN climate framework and the Paris Agreement because they aligned with national interests.
Stiell cautioned that withdrawal would negatively impact jobs, living standards, and economic stability as climate-related disasters intensify and costs rise. He affirmed that the climate convention’s secretariat would continue supporting international cooperation, keeping the door open for the United States to return in the future.
Other affected UN bodies include the Department of Economic and Social Affairs and UN-Water.